Nassau County Partners with Federal Immigration Authorities to Detain Migrants

Since February, over 1,400 undocumented migrants have been held at East Meadow jail as part of a county-federal cooperation aimed at supporting immigration enforcement efforts. Nassau County announced this initiative earlier this year, allocating 50 jail cells for up to 72 hours to hold migrants before they are either deported or transferred to long-term detention facilities. The county receives reimbursement from federal authorities for these detentions.

Most detainees are released within the 72-hour window, but the partnership has sparked debate. Civil rights organizations warn that embedding local police in immigration enforcement could lead to profiling and unlawful detention. Nassau County is currently facing legal challenges related to this arrangement.

The collaboration allows local police to transfer undocumented individuals encountered during unrelated arrests. Since January, at least 15 migrants have been handed over to ICE after being arrested on charges ranging from theft to endangering a child’s welfare.

In addition, ten sheriff’s officers have completed training to serve as ICE deputies, allowing them to assist in deportation operations upon federal approval. The county emphasizes that the partnership is lawful and authorized, with County Executive Bruce Blakeman asserting that the program aims to protect the community.

This expansion follows a recent legal issue faced by neighboring Suffolk County, which was fined $60 million after a court found it violated rights by detaining migrants beyond legal limits at ICE’s request. Suffolk officials stated that delays in ICE’s pickup time were responsible for prolonged detention, with arrestees discovered to be undocumented during unrelated criminal proceedings.

Despite the legal disputes, Nassau County officials defend the program, with County Executive Blakeman reaffirming confidence in its legality. Recently, the county also amended its mask mandate to allow law enforcement and federal agents to wear face coverings during undercover operations, aiming to bolster cooperation with immigration authorities.